Fairfield University and Yale University will co-host the 2018 Division I Men's Ice Hockey Regional at Webster Bank Arena in Bridgeport. The two schools also brought the regional to the state of Connecticut in 2009, 2011, 2012, and 2014.

"We are thrilled to have the opportunity to host this NCAA Men's Hockey Regional Championship along with Fairfield University," said Wayne Dean, Yale's Deputy Athletics Director and co-tournament director. "Webster Bank Arena and the City of Bridgeport serve as a great venue and city to conduct this national event. Connecticut is a great hockey state and bringing the country's best college hockey teams here to compete is something we enjoy and are very proud of."

The other sites for the 2018 tournament include the PPL Center in Allentown, Pa. (Host: Penn State), the DCU Center in Worcester, Mass. (Host: Holy Cross), and PREMIER Center in Sioux Falls, S.D. (Host: North Dakota). The 2018 Frozen Four will take place at the Xcel Center in Minneapolis, Minn. (Host: Minnesota).

“It's an honor to bring the best NCAA hockey to this region,” said Yale's Director of Athletics Tom Beckett. “It's a real thrill for Yale to co-host with Fairfield on an event like this. We hope fans in this region get a chance to enjoy the hockey.”

“We are pleased to have the opportunity to host the best of NCAA men's ice hockey to Fairfield County,” Fairfield University Director of Athletics Gene Doris said. “I am also excited to co-host this event with Yale University once again. I think we are fortunate to have a venue like Webster Bank Arena which has continually proven that it is to be one of the best venues for NCAA championships.”

Webster Bank Arena has often brought sold-out or near-capacity crowds in each of the NCAA events it has hosted since 2004. In addition to men's ice hockey, the Arena has also served as host venue for women's basketball first and second rounds and regional tournaments.

“I am delighted to once again have NCAA championship ice hockey played at our facility,” said Harbor Yard Sports and Entertainment Senior Vice President Charlie Dowd. “We have enjoyed hosting this event in the past and look forward to providing the best experience possible to hockey fans from the across the country.”

With such enthusiasm and support, participating teams, like Yale University, have left the City of Bridgeport with the best possible experience.

“We are proud and excited to co-host, bringing high-level NCAA Tournament hockey back to Bridgeport,” said Keith Allain, Yale's Malcolm G. Chace Head Coach. “This gives our guys added incentive to make the tournament and compete against the best teams in the nation right here in Connecticut.”

Additional information regarding tickets and other key tournament dates for the 2018 NCAA Men's Hockey Regional tournament will be posted when available on the web sites of NCAA Championships (www.ncaasports.com), Yale University athletics (www.yalebulldogs.com), and Fairfield University athletics (www.fairfieldstags.com).